Bouyer, Keturah - Lansing School District

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Brief Intro of Candidate

I am a Lansing native. Having graduated from Sexton High school, I obtained my Bachelor's of Science degree from Cornerstone University. My husband and I moved back to Lansing with the express desire to invest and reinvest in the lives of families. I began my education career as a homeschool educator, turned LSD volunteer, turned substitute, turned full time teacher. I spent my years in the classroom making connections with families which also created a desire to serve families district wide. I am proud wife of Coye Bouyer, and mom to four: two former students (graduated class of 2022 & 2024 from Sexton), and two current students (10th grader & 8th grader).

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How would you engage and include parents, caregivers, community members and students in decision-making in your district around things like curriculum, budgeting and district policy?

I would engage parents, caregivers, community members, and students much like I did in the classroom by allowing for genuine conversation to take place IN the community; not waiting for a board meeting to take place. I would attend school parent-teacher conferences and events to speak with parents and students to dialogue with them about their child's education. I would also speak to other educators who are currently teaching in the district, and be a voice for them when it comes to district policy. I would invite to the table (much like I did in my classroom) to speak with me, and have conversations (two way dialogue).

What are your thoughts on school discipline and the way it is exercised in your school district? What are your thoughts on restorative practices?

I believe that discipline is very subjective, and at times are not meeting the intended goal of correction, redirection, and redemption. I believe that, unfortunately, students are too often given labels and not presented with a different way to engage with their emotions. I believe that restorative practices are good, however there is no one fix for all. Each situation needs to have a different practice applied that leads to the restoration of the student to their academic path; but further than that it leads them to believe they are not a lost cause.

What are your thoughts on how to improve student mental health

I grew up in the era of Sesame Street and Mr. Roger's Neighborhood (even modeled my room after the Neighborhood); thus I remember the different outlets where were shown and taught about emotions and their affect/effect on actions. I believe that one way to improve student mental health is for students to feel as if they can share honestly. Also, as educators we need to spend more time not just teaching curriculum, but teaching students how to have/maintain healthy mindsets (if I'm hungry, and having food insecurities - my academics will be affected). We need to take the 'win at all costs' out of the equation, and actually get back to asking 'How are you doing?' and giving students space and grace to share.

What are your thoughts on ways to improve Black student achievement in your district and in Michigan schools overall?

One of the main ways to improve black student achievement is to secure, hire, and retain black educators in the classroom. The statistics are if a student who is black has at least one black teacher they are 13% more likely to enroll in college after graduation. Another way to improve black student achievement is to stop treating black students as if they are not capable of achieving! To often we keep asking how we can improve, instead of treating students as if they are capable of learning. Too often educators themselves say 'That's too hard for our students.' instead of finding ways to teach the rigorous material! And the same can be said on the local and state level; if we treat black students as what they are 'BRILLIANT' then what will come out is 'BRILLIANCE!'

What are your thoughts on how to ensure that all students and their families, regardless of race, gender identity, sexuality, disability, religion, income status, etc., feel safe and included in your district?

I believe we would all feel safe if we began to simply see past our differences and realize that we are all HUMAN. The old saying 'Treat someone how you would want to be treated' goes a long way, and we have come away from that. I believe if we all simply looked for how we are same (in spite of differences) we would see the beauty of our district.

What are your thoughts on how to recruit and retain staff, particularly staff of color, in your district with regard to pay, benefits, and working conditions?

I believe a way to recruit and retain staff is to show consistent appreciation (both ways). In regard to staff of color, I believe we should recognize and admit when there are different standards. I also believe that the district has really great pay and benefits. The working conditions should be the same at every school, and district building. Staff should be excited to come to work, but it begins with hiring competent administrators and directors. I believe that there should be a zero tolerance for proven instances of retaliation, and administrators should not be given passes when they demonstrate behavior that is retaliatory (this discourages staff), and staff should not be able to retaliate against administrators continuously without consequence (this makes them feel powerless).